Nina Garcia's Rule 3 - How to Buy with Drama

In previous blogs I have been talking about Nina Garcia's book   The Little Black Book of Style.  

In The Little Black Book of Style she shares the  the 6 basic rules that every style icon already knows: 

1.  How to edit

2.  Invest in the bones


3. How to buy with drama

Drama?  I know what you are saying, "I have spent a lifetime avoiding drama - now you want me to bring drama into my wardrobe?"  Okay, maybe a little poetic license is required here.  There is a difference between "drama" and "dramatic".  What Ms. Garcia means is to buy pieces dramatically gorgeous, one of a kind, "OMG where did you get that?" kind of pieces.  

Ms. Garcia says, you will know it when you see it, and when you see it don't be afraid to splurge.  But a few words of caution before you set out to splurge, make sure that dramatic pieces matches your personal style.  If you are going to splurge, make sure it is a timeless piece, and not something too trendy.  Something that you will wear for years to come.  That amazing signature piece that everybody talks about. 

And where, you ask, can I possible find this amazing piece?  Boutiques, thrift stores, one-of-a-kind shops, be adventurous.  Who doesn't browse local boutiques when they travel?  Forget the tacky t-shirts and look for something amazing.  I have to admit, some of my favorite pieces I found while travelling.  

What kind of pieces you ask?  

Jewelry - cocktail rings, bracelets

Purses, Evening Bags

Little Black Dress

and my personal favorite:
SHOES!

We have 3 more stylist tips to go!  Please check back, or click a link to follow this blog, so you will not miss a thing!

Nina Garcia's Rule 2 - What every Style Icon has in her Closet.

In The Basics Rules of Style - from Nina Garcia - Rule 1 I introduced Nina Garcia's book The Little Black Book of Style.  

In The Little Black Book of Style she shares the  the 6 basic rules that every style icon already knows: 

1.  How to edit

2.  Invest in the bones

Bones?   The bones are the essential staples that go with almost everything, never go out of style, and are "enduringly chic".  These are the basics, and with the right accessories, an outfit can be built around. These items can go from day to night, and are the basics for your travel wardrobe.  

The "bones"are the items you splurge on. You want the quality of and the garment to be evident. When you build your wardrobe around the bones, it makes the getting dressed so much simpler. With the right bones, you never have to be concerned if your outfit is in style, because you have built your wardrobe around timeless styles.  

1.  The Little Black Dress

Coco Chanel is credited with bringing the LBD into the forefront of fashion.  I posted Chanel and Brief History of the LBD early in 2014.  The right LBD is the perfect way to look effortlessly sophisticated.  The LBD does not detract from all of your best features, it enhances them.  Sandra Bullock, wearing minimal accessories is simply amazing in a LBD.

2.  A Classic Men's White Shirt. 

A simple white men's dress shirt is versatile and can be paired with jeans, pants of any color, or a skirt.   Fashion designer icon Carolina Herrara embodies the "crisp simplicity" of the classic white men's shirt.   The classic men's white shirt is a blank canvas, and all that you need to add is the right accessories.

3.  Cashmere Cardigan.

Simple let classic. It can be worn over anything, perfect for office or a chilly restaurant.  Don't be afraid of color when choosing one.  

This is not the complete list of the essential items that every style icon needs to have.  The list will continue...



Photo Credits:
Nina Garcia:  www.washingtonpost.com
Little Black Dress:  www.uniqlo.com/ukstylebistro.com
Classic White Men's Shirt:  classiq.me
Cashmere Cardigan:  us.purecollection.com/

The Basics Rules of Style - from Nina Garcia - Rule 1

Nina Garcia is the Fashion Director of Elle Magazine and appears on Project Runway.  She also published The Little Black Book of Style.  This book is all about having the confidence to be your own stylist.  I highly recommend this reading this book from cover to cover.

Nina Garcia outlines the 6 basic rules that every style icon already knows.  

1.  How to edit

Editing is all about cleaning out your closet, if you don't wear it, if it does not fit, or if it does not look good on you, or if it was a  past trend that is clearly over, donate it to charity, give it away, sell it on eBay, or just throw it out. 

Editing is difficult an maybe somewhat painful, but it needs to be done.  You may have that prom dress that has sentimental value.  It is only taking up valuable space in your closet.  Consider cleaning out your closet like weeding a garden to make the beautiful flowers more visible.  

I am going to go overall 6 basic style rules, but like a  decadent dessert on cheat day, these tips are made to be savored not gulped down in 1 bite.  More tips to follow.

As Yves Saint Laurent said "Fashions fade style is eternal"

Photo credits:
Nina Garcia - purist.com
80's Prom Dress - promfashionguide.com

Fashions Fade but Syle is Eternal - Yves Saint Laurent

During an interview in 1975 with artist Andy Warhol, fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent  is credited as saying "fashions fade style is eternal".   Thank you Yves Saint Laurent, that statement is not only timeless, but a guideline for styling.

The problem is some people do not understand the difference between style and fashion.  Style is knowing yourself, what works for you, what looks good on you, what makes you feel good, what is appropriate?  Fashion, well, it changes on a whim.  What was fashionable this year, may not be next year.  (Think high-wasted pants.)

In 2010 I had posted 10 Commandments for Fashionistas.  

1. Just because they make in your size, does not mean you should wear it.
2. There is a difference between tailored and tight. Recognize it.
3. Buy a full-length mirror and use it, daily.
4. Athletic shoes belong in the gym.
5. If you have not changed your hair style in the past 10 or 15 years, you hair is probably out of style.
6. If you hairstyle involves a Scrunchie, your hairstyle is probably out of style.
7. Bling shirt are out.
8. Nobody wants to see your bra straps.
9. The same goes for your thong.
10. A beautiful smile is your best accessory.

That blog post was intended to point out some basic styling rules, so you know what not to do.  But what do you do?  With that in mind I have decided to start a series of styling blogs, because it is one thing to point out what is wrong, but how do we replace it with what is right?  

Your comments are always welcome. 

Photo Credits:
Andy Warhol of Yves Saint Laurent
complex.com The 50 Best Artist Collaborations in Fashion

Warby Parker #SeeSummerBetter

I have been hearing about this eyeglass company,  Warby Parker.  First my son ordered glasses from them, and then a co-worker highly recommended them.  I thought I would visit their website, one of these days.

I had cured my severe near-sighted-ness several years ago with lasic surgery.  Although I hate to admit it, I should wear glasses for reading, and my distance is slightly less than 20-20.  I do have a pair of expensive designer glasses that have "progressive" lenses.  Since the lens size is so small they spend more time in my purse or on top of my head.

Needless to say, I was casually shopping for a new pair of frames.  As fate would have it,  I received an email from a representative from Warby Parker, asking me if I would like to participate in their summer campaign by posting about them in this blog.  (By the way, as an MBA in Marketing - great social media concept guys!)

This blog is a my creative outlet to write about things that inspire me.  My favorite topics are travel and fashion.  Sometimes I even share information about a product that I love.  I keep this blog authentic, and only post about products that truly impress me.

Before I committed to anything, I visited the Warby Parker website.  This is a great concept.  You select 5 pairs of glasses, they ship you the samples, and you have time to decide which pair you like.  Coming from somebody who spent countless hours at the eye doctor's office trying to pick a pair of frames while fighting for a little mirror space, this concept appealed to me.

The thing that sets Warby Parker that stood out to me was their program "Buy a Pair, Give a Pair".  Warby Parker donates a portion of their sales to a non-profit which reaches out to men and women in developing countries how to give basic eye exams and sell glasses in their own community.

That's my story, and this is why I decided to participate in their #SeeSummerBetter campaign.

Which pair would I choose for me?

 Ames in Graphite Fog caught my eye right away.

 So fun!  

and Marcel in Plumb-Marbelwood.  

They match my dress after all.  

But then there is  Piper in Jet Black.

So Classic.

Maybe all 3?  #SeeSummerBetter

Would you create you own uniform for daily wear?

So many decisions to make in the morning choosing at outfit is sometimes the most daunting. What if you selected one outfit to wear everyday.   Would you be able to do that?  Coming from a Catholic school background,  I was quite used to doing that.  But once I was done with high school I was excited to be able to make my to make my own fashion choices.  

Some mornings it takes a lot of work to decide what to wear, and so many things to think about once I get to work maybe it would be a lot simpler just have a uniform to wear to work.  Men do it with the khaki pants and a polo shirt.  How simple is that.

I have heard that many successful business people wear very simple clothes to work to free their mind up to make decisions during the day.  Maybe we should think about saving our most creative outfits for the weekends. 

I was inspired by this article in Business Insider.
http://www.businessinsider.com/woman-wears-same-work-outfit-matilda-kahl-2015-4

My Obsession with Lace

Nobody really knows when lace was first introduced, but it is believed to date back to the early 16th century, possibly originating in Venice.  

Lace has survived into the modern era, as in this vintage Dior lace dress.

Lace is modern and chic.  Sexy yet classy.  

From left to right, Versace lace gown, Versace lace jeans, and Elie Saab Spring 2011 Couture prove that lace has a timeless quality. 

I have to admit, I am obsessed with lace.  

Dita von Teese Looking Gorgeous at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week 2015

Dita von Teese was sophisticated and gorgeous at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week 2015 last week. 

Dita von Teese arriving at Elie Saab show in a beautiful black with lace dress by Elie Saab with Palter DeLiso black pumps.

Dita von Teese at Jean Paul Gautier show wearing Jean Paul Gautier pared with those beautiful Palter DeLiso black pumps. Proving that the perfect black pump can go with anything.  

Elie Saab - Paris Haute Couture Week 2015

I love Elie Saab's designs, usually.  But I have to admit I am disappointied with his Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2015 collection shown last week at Paris Haute Couture Week.  

The colors are usually bold, and the fabrics rich, and the cuts are daring. These colors are dull, and the material reminds me of my grandmother's curtains, and the high necklines?  

Not all of Elie Saab's designs were as disappointing as the ones shown above.  These are a few that are somewhat edgy and more of what I admire about his designs.

The two designs below are my favorites from the Spring-Summer 2015 Haute Couture collection because they are reminiscent of his bold designs that reflect strong women with a sense of style. 

To understand the statement piece that are Elie Saab, here is some designs from previous collections.